CHICAGO, Feb. 16, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- U.S. Cellular (NYSE:USM), in conjunction with its partner, King Street Wireless, announced the next markets that will experience high-speed 4G LTE services. In the second half of 2012, customers in more than 3,600 additional cities and towns in urban and rural areas will have access to 4G LTE speeds that are up to 10 times faster than 3G and similar to a cable Internet connection. In addition, the Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot will join the Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 10.1 and Samsung Galaxy S® Aviator™ smartphone in U.S. Cellular's 4G LTE device line-up in the spring, and the company will launch a 4G LTE modem and additional 4G LTE smartphones throughout the rest of the year.

4G LTE speeds provide an enhanced wireless experience with faster web browsing, smooth video streaming, video chatting with no buffering and speedy app downloads. 4G LTE devices will be available in all U.S. Cellular stores beginning with the Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 10.1 next month, so customers can purchase the devices when they are available and use them on U.S. Cellular's high-quality 3G network, and receive all of the benefits of 4G LTE speeds when it comes to their area.

By the end of 2012, 54 percent of customers will be able to enjoy the faster 4G LTE speeds. The additional markets include select cities in Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Some of the cities included are in the areas of Rockford and Peoria, Ill.; Columbia and Jefferson City, Mo.; Manchester, N.H.; Wilmington and Jacksonville, N.C.; Tulsa, Okla.; Medford, Ore.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Roanoke and Lynchburg, Va.; Yakima and the Tri-Cities, Wash.; Morgantown, W. Va. and LaCrosse and Beloit, Wis.

"We're excited to bring access to 4G LTE speeds along with a growing line-up of cutting-edge 4G LTE devices to more customers across the country later this year," said Mary N. Dillon, president and CEO of U.S. Cellular. "With this 4G LTE network expansion, customers will have faster connections to the people, information and entertainment that enhance and simplify their lives and help them stay organized."

The Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot provides Internet connectivity for up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously. Users will have the freedom to connect any Wi-Fi enabled device, including laptops, tablets, e-readers and smartphones, to the 4G LTE network for instant access to the fastest speeds on-the-go. At only 2.7 ounces, the Hotspot is small enough to fit in your pocket but has the power to bring the Internet at 4G LTE speeds to friends, family and co-workers wherever you need it. Additional 4G LTE devices will be announced at a later date.

The 4G LTE network builds on the 3G data services that U.S. Cellular customers already enjoy on the carrier's nationwide network. U.S. Cellular has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier, along with the only points-based rewards program in wireless. For more information about the 4G LTE experience, visit uscellular.com/4G.

King Street Wireless, L.P. currently holds 700 MHz wireless spectrum in 27 states and is partnering with Chicago-based U.S. Cellular to deliver high-speed 4G LTE service to U.S. Cellular's customers in several of the carrier's markets. King Street Wireless is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia where it is recognized for its involvement in its community both through its economic development and philanthropic efforts. To learn more about King Street Wireless, visit www.kingstreetwireless.com.

About U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular rewards its customers with unmatched benefits and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by its high-speed nationwide network that has the highest call quality of any national carrier. U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Customer Service Champion and received PC Magazine's 2011 Readers' Choice Award. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.

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